Rafael dos Anjos is taking UFC Vegas 58 as ‘another day in the office’ (video)

Rafael dos Anjos remains one of the top contenders in the UFC regardless of division.

Rafael dos Anjos continues his decade-plus long journey in the UFC when he steps into the Octagon at UFC Vegas 58. This time, he’s competing against an up-and-coming prospect in Rafael Fiziev, in a bout that will either keep dos Anjos as a top contender or see him get supplanted by a young talent.

“This is just another day in the office. It’s my 11th main event and just blessed at this time,” dos Anjos said during the media day interview. “My goal is to come here, make a big statement and throw my name into title contention. My name should be in title contention.”

Dos Anjos is currently ranked number seven in the lightweight division, and a victory over Fiziev will certainly keep him in the top ten. Fiziev is currently sitting at number ten and wants to break through with a win over a former champion.

“It’s always a challenge, he’s a tough fighter. We haven’t seen much of his ground game, and his wrestling skills but we’re sure he has some,” Dos Anjos said of Fiziev. “I think I’ve never been so ready in my whole life. Moving to Brazil refreshed my career. I’m in great spirits and shape too.”

Dos Anjos last competed at UFC 272 where he took on Renato Moicano in a 25-minute contest. This built his win streak up to two straight, rebounding off a two-fight losing streak and going 3-4 in his last seven.

Rafael dos Anjos deserves to be recognized as a ‘BMF’ competitor

With more than thirty fights in the Octagon, dos Anjos’s record is one that is nearing Hall of Fame status, if not already there. He picked up the lightweight championship back at UFC 185, where he defeated Anthony Pettis and fought for the interim UFC welterweight title at UFC 225. His resume includes top champions and title contenders across both divisions.

“I’ve fought in the UFC for 14 years and I’ve never backed away from a fight. I’ve agreed to fight against the best guys and I’ve went the distance with them. Champions like Usman, Khabib, Colby. I fell short but I went against them. If the fans think I can be considered the BMF too, I’m OK with that.”

UFC Vegas 58: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Rafael Fiziev takes place on Saturday, July 9, 2022, live from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided MMA who is on site for all your news and highlights.